Activities Analysis of Uncaria gambir (U. gambir) Ethanol Extract in Vaseline-based Cream to Alleviate Psoriasis in Imiquimod-induced Rats
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Abstract
Psoriasis is commonly treated with topical corticosteroids, but long-term use is associated with safety limitations. Uncaria gambir, rich in catechins, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may offer a safer topical alternative. This study evaluated the efficacy, early physical stability, systemic safety, and histopathological effects of U. gambir cream in an Imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasiform rat model. Male Wistar rats were induced with 5% IMQ and divided into six groups: psoriasis control (K1), betamethasone (K2), vehicle (PCG0), and U. gambir cream at 2%, 4.5%, and 7% (PCG2, PCG4.5, PCG7). Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were assessed on days 5, 8, and 10. Organoleptic stability was observed for 14 days. Blood glucose and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured, and skin histopathology was evaluated using H&E staining. The results showed that PASI scores were comparable across groups on day 5 (p=0.396). Significant reductions were observed on day 8 (p=0.020) and day 10 (p=0.007), with the greatest improvement in PCG2–PCG4.5 (median PASI ≈1-2), compared with vehicle. All creams remained physically stable. Blood glucose (p=0.716) and NO levels (p=0.611) showed no significant differences. Histology confirmed reduced epidermal thickness and absence of parakeratosis in PCG2–PCG4.5. In conclusion, U. gambir cream at 2-4.5% effectively attenuated psoriatic severity with good physical stability and no detectable systemic effects, supporting its potential as a safe topical therapy.
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